Researchers in Chicago have conducted a phase I/II trial of autologous non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in 21 relapsing-remitting MS patients (Burt et al. Lancet Neurol 2009; epublished January 29, 2009). All subjects had experienced >2 steroid-treated relapses or 1 relapse with Gd-enhancing lesions in the previous 12 months despite treatment with a beta-interferon.
Neurology
No unfavourable effects of fasting in MS
April 7, 2009A study in Iran has examined the effect of prolonged fasting during Ramadan in adult MS patients (Saadatnia et al. Eur Neurol 2009; 61:230-232). The prospective study compared 40 MS patients who fasted with 40 non-fasting MS controls. All patients had mild disability at entry (EDSS score < 3). Clinical symptoms and EDSS changes were assessed in the 6 months following Ramadan.
Randomized trial of donepezil in MCI
April 7, 2009Cholinesterase inhibitors may produce small improvements in cognitive functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but do not appear to benefit global functioning, according to the results of a new multicentre, randomized trial (Doody et al. Neurology 2009; epublished January 28, 2009).
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Nortriptyline effective in PD-associated depression
April 7, 2009Depression is a common feature of Parkinsons disease, with studies reporting a prevalence ranging from 25% to 45% (Ravina et al. Neurology 2007;69:342-347; Lemke et al. J Neurol Sci 2006;248:266-270). However, few randomized controlled trials of depression in PD have been performed and the optimal treatment approach has not been established.
Stroke reduction with rosuvastatin: the Jupiter Study
March 24, 2009REPORT FROM THE AHA/ASA INTERNATIONAL STROKE CONFERENCE – Statin treatment significantly reduced the number of stroke events versus placebo, according to results from the JUPITER trial presented at the International Stroke Conference (Ridker et al. Abstract 140).
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